Composer

:

Johannes Brahms

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song

Compose Date

:

1886

Average_duration

:

2:21

"Es hing der Reif im Lindenbaum, Op. 106/3" is a lied composed by Johannes Brahms in 1888. It is the third song in his Opus 106, a collection of six songs for voice and piano. The text is a poem by Klaus Groth, a German poet and writer. The song premiered on November 22, 1888, in Vienna, with the baritone singer Gustav Walter and Brahms himself at the piano. It was well-received by the audience and critics, who praised its melancholic and nostalgic character. The song is in A-flat major and has a slow tempo. It consists of three stanzas, each with a different melody and mood. The piano accompaniment is simple and repetitive, with arpeggios and chords that evoke the image of a frozen landscape. The first stanza describes a linden tree covered in frost, with its leaves and branches weighed down by the cold. The second stanza tells the story of a young couple who used to meet under the tree but have now parted ways. The third stanza expresses the singer's longing for the past and his sadness at the passing of time. The song's characteristics include Brahms's use of chromaticism and modulations to create a sense of yearning and nostalgia. The melody is lyrical and expressive, with long phrases and subtle changes in dynamics. The piano accompaniment is sparse and delicate, allowing the voice to shine. Overall, "Es hing der Reif im Lindenbaum, Op. 106/3" is a poignant and introspective song that showcases Brahms's mastery of the art song genre. Its themes of loss, memory, and the passage of time resonate with audiences to this day.

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